AU MSME Forum Abuja to unite over 50 African nations in driving small business development, financing, and digital transformation across the continent
AU MSME Forum Abuja will bring together delegates from over 50 African countries between June 23 and 27, 2025, as Nigeria hosts the fourth edition of the African Union’s continental gathering on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
The forum is set to deepen economic integration, enhance digital transformation, and unlock financing opportunities for Africa’s millions of small business operators.
Announced by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the event aims to reshape the future of MSMEs on the continent.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the summit will prioritise inclusive growth, policy reform, and strategic partnerships that empower entrepreneurs to compete across borders.
“The principal objective is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises, develop intra-African value chains, and strengthen policies on MSME development through fostering strategic partnerships,” Hadejia noted during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s business ecosystem have been encouraged to participate, as the forum presents opportunities to form new investment alliances and expand access to African markets.
The Federal Government has positioned the forum as a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for economic reform and continental collaboration.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised the event as a strong indication of Nigeria’s economic openness.
“This forum is one of the first steps in opening up our economy to the rest of the world,” Idris said, urging media organisations to support efforts to ensure a successful event.
The forum will feature discussions on easing access to affordable financing, accelerating digital integration for African MSMEs, and improving market entry frameworks. It also intends to facilitate meaningful dialogue between policymakers, financiers, and entrepreneurs.
Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, said the event would strengthen the country’s creative and tourism sectors through a shared commitment to sustainable enterprise development.
With a renewed focus on intra-African trade, the AU MSME Forum Abuja is expected to energise a broad spectrum of industries, from tech start-ups to rural producers, offering a platform to scale ideas and forge new business frontiers.
As the continent continues to drive toward the African Continental Free Trade Area goals, the forum is poised to shape a more connected and competitive future for small businesses across Africa.
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